New zoo for Western Sydney in the works

Sydney Zoo is planning to bring a $36 million zoological park to Western Sydney which will be home to native Australian and exotic animals from around the globe.

The new world-class tourist attraction will be developed in Blacktown in the Bungarribee Precinct, Western Sydney Parklands, on the Great Western Highway.

Managing director of Sydney Zoo Jake Burgess said he was delighted to partner with the Western Sydney Parklands Trust for the iconic tourist attraction.

'Our zoo will complement the Destination Sydney West initiative by providing the opportunity for the local community to enjoy beautiful parklands and tourist attractions right on their doorstep,' Mr Burgess said.

The new Sydney Zoo will be developed on a 16.5 hectare site in the Bungarribee Precinct and will provide a 'world-class recreational facility'.

Mr Burgess says the Sydney Zoo proposal would boost the NSW economy by $45 million and is expected to create 160 jobs during construction and at least 120 jobs during operation.

Sydney Zoo estimates almost 745,000 people per year are expected to visit the zoo, including 35,000 interstate and overseas visitors, with $3 million extra tourist spending estimated per annum on NSW goods and services. See more click here